Sunday, February 27, 2011

After The Dust Has Settled–Part 1

We have our house back! Woo hoo!

All the work was completed on Friday as promised except for the reinstallation of the sink in the upstairs bathroom. That was completed yesterday because one of the bolts that was connected to one of the original faucets was so corroded that they couldn’t get it off. To make a long story short, one of Jody’s workers who specializes in plumbing took the sink home on Friday night and worked his magic on it there. Now it’s sitting pretty right back where it belongs…but I’ll save those photos for another day.

Today, I’m including some photos of the downstairs area of our house. I’ve spent the last two days cleaning almost non stop and I’m still not finished. We’ve hung a few things but that is going to be a huge job in itself and we’re not going to rush it.

One of the things that I fell in love with when we first looked at our house was the kitchen and the original farm house sink. As long as we own this house, it will always remain a part of it.

Although you can’t see it in this photo, when we’re sitting at our kitchen table, we look out onto the Annapolis Basin which is a part of the Bay of Fundy.

Our house was built in 1835 and the addition which includes the kitchen, pantry and enclosed entrance/porch downstairs and the master bedroom and Mr. Painted Quilt’s office upstairs was added in 1917.

Mac was a real trooper throughout the renovations. After he got his morning hugs from Jody and his crew, he stayed close to our sides the rest of the time. I know it was a very stressful time for him as well…but he did take full advantage of the extra treats. *wink*

I liked the pantry before but I L-O-V-E it now!

I can’t wait to unpack all my ‘treasures’ to display on the shelves.

It’s starting to finally come together. Notice the herring bone pattern where the two sides meet in the corner? Cool, huh? Jody used 2” x 4” clear pine planks which he screwed down onto the existing surface which raised the counter top to a perfect 34” height. People were much shorter when this was originally built.

The sitting room is almost done. I just have to hang some pictures, a grandmother clock and add a few ‘chochkies’. This is where Mac and Mr. PQ hang out in the evenings.

The dining room beyond is also starting to take shape. I have to find my ‘good’ dishes and set them up in the freshly painted china cabinet. This room still remains a ‘catch all’ room for things still looking for a home.

Notice the pile of wrapped pictures and a shelf perched on top of the tea wagon in the corner? We’ll be hanging those in the next little while along with the larger ones that are currently stored in our living room.

And I can’t wait to unpack all my yellowware bowls to display in our pine cupboard.

The downstairs bathroom turned out even better than my wildest expectations.

There is still lots to be added to it as well but it’s now sparkling clean and a pleasure to spend time in. *wink*

Rather than have a linen closet built, we decided to use the sideboard that we already had on hand. The bathroom is quite large and easily accommodates the piece with lots of room to spare.

And last but not least, a part of our living room that abuts the three season enclosed sun porch that spans the front of the original structure. You can just make out the boxes that are still stored out there waiting to be unpacked.

Every square inch of our humble abode has been repainted and looks wonderfully clean and fresh. The floors of my studio and Mr. PQ’s office still have to be painted and that’s what we’ll be concentrating on this week. Once they’re done, we can then move everything that’s now piled and crammed into the spare bedroom back to where it belongs and resume living again.

Having said that, I’m afraid that my FFF (First Friday Freebie) for March will be postponed until April. Not only did I not have the time nor energy to work on it…but I couldn’t find it amidst the ‘rubble’. Please accept my humble apologies ahead of time but I’m sure you understand.

86 comments:

Your house is shaping up into a beautiful home. I'm sure everyone will be understanding about the postponement of FFF. The only renovations that DH and I have done were on an empty house before move-in day. You are much more brave than I am.......

Honey, what on earth are you apologising for?? You are human and have done super human things since you packed up and moved. Your house has become a home and is slowly taking on 'your' touch, it will take time and the FFF can surely wait until you have been able to catch up with yourself, Mr PQ and Mac. hugsMiche'le

Your home is looking beautiful. It was nice to have the mess all at once and over with. Don't worry about the FFF. I'm amazed you have had time to do anything with all this work. Now you can sit back and enjoy alittle time for yourselves.

I just love your new home and all the renovations you did. It is what I would have, if I didn't own an ugly raised ranch, lol. Since we are stuck with square walls, working it in a shaker style with wainscoting to prim it up.

You guys are amazing. I can believe how much work you have done in such a short time. I know it seems a long time to you in the midst of it, but really you moved in November and it is still Feb. Wow, It looks beautiful. I think for a while you should just enjoy your house and rest once you are finished with the floor. It is a lovely house.

Hi Kaaren: amazing that all that work only took a week - you were so fortunate to find men who are as good as their word and who did such a great job for you. it may have semed that the upheaval was never-ending, but in the great scheme of things - one week more or less is nothing. Been there, done that and it took much longer!!!Your house is starting to look great - now on to the outside as spring is on its way!

Congrats ~ you made it! Your home looks beautiful and as you settle in it will really become "your home". We've lived "in" while remodeling and I KNOW what it does to the stress level ~ off the chart. Now you can breathe and go about the "pretty" part.

Your home is becoming so beautiful! When all is ready and you can enjoy I am sure you will feel it was all worth it. You are making a wonderful home, and thank you for sharing it with us nosy blogging friends :)

Oh Kaaren! Your renovations are just perfect for the home and the period in which it was built. I'm still loving that pantry and that herringbone top in the corner is so unique and fun. I'm glad it's really feeling like home now. Moves always take time so just enjoy the moment and get it all how you want. :) It makes me anxious for when we downsize in a couple of years.

What a beautiful home! I can't wait to see how you decorate with your quilts and and other handmades...and now your new hooked rugs! Adding those will make your home true to it's heritage! Congratulations!

You must be so relieved to have the house back - and what a remarkable change! I love the kitchen color - I grew up in a house with nearly an identical kitchen sink and it is so nice to see one like it looking so lovely! Now is when I know you're going to look at the work ahead as fun and not work! Congratulations on getting the house back, Kaaren!Cheers!

Wow, those guys were fast and looks like they did a great job. YOu have a beautiful home.I think the toilet seat cover is pretty unique.Now you can relax and enjoy.We understand completely about the FFf. No need to apologize.

I couldn't pick a favorite spot in your gorgeous home if I had to. I know you're thrilled to be back to normal. It's all gorgeous, warm, and inviting. Your workers appear to be master craftsmen. Congratulations!!!

Every thing looks like it is coming along great. The house looks sparkling. They did a great job. I know you will be very glad when you get all the cleaning done and all the pictures hung. It will be a blessing when you can sit down in you studio and just say this is finished like a great quilt.Done is Done Toddy in Florida

Kaaren, your home is lovely and everything you are doing just enhances its beauty. I used to dream of houses like yours but I don't know if I could handle the restoration mess...good for you and thanks for sharing.

I am truly astounded at the amount of things they got done! Your home looks so beautiful, so welcoming...a very calm and peaceful place! I imagine your every breath is a sigh of relief, lol. Don't you DARE worry about FFF - my goodness, I think you have enough to do, Kaaren! It's a real pleasure to see how gorgeous your home is!

Oooh Kaaren I've been watching your reno's from the start and WOW just WOW is all I can say. How beautiful you have now made your home! Soon.... we will be doing something similar, only starting from scratch and what an adventure that will be!! I hope I'm able to keep sane.Hugs Gloria

Your renovations look great, I know you are glad they are finished. No need to apologize for the FFF, I'm still working on one from last year and the Raggedy Ann quilt. Busy! Busy! Busy! Now relax and enjoy your beautiful home!!!!

it is fantastically beautiful with you love Kaaren, words fail me, all tastefully decorated and charming and I liked to April on the new small block you have to wait some time off earned best wishes for the family of Christine from Germany

Seriously? You won't have time or inclination for a March FFF? I have no idea where you found either over the last couple of months! Your house is looking wonderful and having gone thur something similar, I'm amazed that you've done them for January & February and got your rug completed. I'm really impressed! Look forward to April and if that's a problem, I doubt any of us will mind waiting until May (well we'll miss them, but we will certainly undertand!).

WOW!!! I had to scroll back to the top a few times to look at the pictures again. You must be SO thrilled with how everything looks! Gorgeous--and so homey and comfortable looking--a home, not a house. Great job!

Be still my heart Kaaren! Everything is coming together so nicely!! Love those counters! Love the pantry - what a dream to have space like that!! Love the view!! Another dream for you too!! I am so glad the dust is settling and I hope soon it is all settled and cleaned up and everything put in their new homes in time for you to start enjoying the spring temps and nice weather.

And your rug came out great - it's just perfect for your new home. Looking forward to seeing the dining room come together for you.

I ♥ my friends

About Me

I am an artist and have recently retired from actively designing, publishing and travel teaching in the decorative painting industry. In December of 2010, we moved from Eastern Ontario to the beautiful Annapolis Valley of Nova Scotia. Quilting, stitching, wool applique and rug hooking are just a few of my passions.
During the last 5 years I have released over 40 new and FREE designs here on my blog. Just scroll down and you'll find the links to all of my FREE patterns available in PDF format under the title First Friday Freebies and More First Friday Freebies. Click on them one at a time to download and print the photos, instructions and line drawings. Enjoy!